Major weapons find following fire in West Belfast

The significant haul, which included 2 AK 47 rifles, was found as emergency services dealt with a fire

Police say they've uncovered a stash of dissident republican weapons after a fire in a boiler house in West Belfast.

Officers don't think the home owner knew two AK47s, two sawn-off shot guns, a rifle, three pipe bombs and ammunition were stored there.

On Wednesday police and the Fire Service attended the scene of a fire in a central heating boiler in the rear yard of a house in Rodney Drive.

As the fire developed, some of these rounds exploded causing significant danger to local residents and the Fire Service who were trying to put out the fire.Detectives say it 'beggars belief' anyone would keep volatile items in a hot environment.

Detective Superintendent John McVea believes the weapons belong to the New IRA, and were used in attempts to murder police officers.

"One of the lines of enquiry is that these AK 47 firearms were used in attempts to murder police officers in Rosnareen in November 2015 and on the Crumlin Road in January 2017.

"The Crumlin Road shooting in particular, also demonstrated recklessness and showed total disregard for members of the public as gunmen fired bullets into the filling station forecourt and shop, narrowly missing customers and passing motorists.

Officer McVea continued:

“It is clear that whoever placed these weapons in this boiler house was incredibly reckless.

What is more concerning is that they actually didn’t care at all that they were putting the lives of this entire family neighbourhood at significant risk of death or injury.

“These people are beneath contempt and I am asking for the community to stand up against these parasites".

Anyone who heard or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the laneway at the back of Rodney Drive should contact police on 101 or on Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A 35-year-old man who was arrested under the Terrorism Act on Wednesday, 14 November has been released unconditionally.